Calls have been made for the HSE to tackle the backlog of Primary Medical Certificate applications and appeals with interim certificates.
Galway East TD Seán Canney said that there has been a build of both since the suspension of the scheme from June 2020 until January 2021, and the ongoing difficulties caused by COVID-19.
A Primary Medical Certificate is required for people to qualify for the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, which provides tax concessions to modify vehicles for people with a disability.
He said that one appeals clinic for rejected applicants in the west of Ireland was die to take place in Roscommon last October. But after being cancelled, will not now be rescheduled until sometime in 2022.
This appeal clinic was meant for people who were unable to travel to Dublin Canney said, and without it, many will have to wait up to two years for another chance.
“People with disabilities who need to have their car adapted to suits their needs should not have to wait for two years to have their appeal heard,” Seán Canney said.
Those who are not able to travel to Dublin for an appeal must be accommodated locally the Independent TD said.
